Object Details
Label
This bronze bell was used in the rituals of Esoteric Buddhism, known in Japanese as Mikkyo. The bell was placed at the center and four points of an altar to represent the central Buddha of the Cosmos, Mahavairocana, and four Buddhas associated with the directions north, east, south, and west.
Elaborate rituals performed by priests were essential to the practice of Mikkyo (literally, "concealed" or "secret" teaching). The complex doctrine of Mikkyo is revealed only to the members of its priesthood.
Provenance
Hieizan Temple [1]
To 1903
Bunkio Matsuki (1867-1940), Boston, to 1903 [2]
From 1903 to 1919
Charles Lang Freer (1854-1919), purchased from Bunkio Matsuki in 1903 [3]
From 1920
Freer Gallery of Art, gift of Charles Lang Freer in 1920 [4]
Notes:
[1] See Curatorial Remark 2, undated folder sheet note. See also, Reserved Bronze List, R.5137, Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Archives. Purchased as a set of five, F1903.292-F1903.296.
[2] See note 1.
[3] see note 1.
[4] The original deed of Charles Lang Freer's gift was signed in 1906. The collection was received in 1920 upon the completion of the Freer Gallery.
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Exhibition History
Words of Wisdom: Buddhist Calligraphy from Japan (April 1, 2023 to February 25, 2024)
Buddhist Art (May 9, 1993 to August 9, 2011)
Previous custodian or owner
Bunkio Matsuki 松木文恭 (1867-1940) (C.L. Freer source)
Enryaku-ji Temple 延暦寺 (founded 788)
Charles Lang Freer (1854-1919)
Credit Line
Gift of Charles Lang Freer
Date
1185-1333
Period
Kamakura period
Accession Number
F1903.294
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Ceremonial Object
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
H x W (overall): 14.6 x 6.3 cm (5 3/4 x 2 1/2 in)
Origin
Japan
Related Online Resources
Google Arts & Culture
See more items in
National Museum of Asian Art
Data Source
National Museum of Asian Art
Topic
casting
metal
bronze
Buddhism
Kamakura period (1185 - 1333)
vajra
Japan
Japanese Art
ceremony
Japanese Esoteric Buddhism
Charles Lang Freer collection
Link to Original Record
Record ID
fsg_F1903.294